KAUST leads for the second consecutive year as Saudi institutions secure top spots, underscoring their global impact and Vision 2030 alignment

Saudi Arabian universities have once again outshone their regional counterparts in the prestigious Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2024, with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) claiming the top position for a second consecutive year. This achievement highlights the alignment of Saudi KAUST with Vision 2030, demonstrating the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global academic excellence.

The Kingdom solidified its dominance by securing all top three positions and placing five universities in the top 10. KAUST’s exceptional performance was attributed to its strengths in research quality, societal impact, and a dynamic academic environment.

“This achievement is a testament to KAUST’s transformative role and its contribution to Vision 2030,” said Edward Byrne, KAUST President. “It highlights our leadership in innovation and knowledge while elevating Saudi Arabia’s academic stature globally.”

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and King Saud University followed in second and third places, respectively, further cementing the Kingdom’s academic prominence. Other Saudi institutions in the top 10 include King Abdulaziz University (5th) and King Khalid University (10th).

The rankings, which assessed a record 238 universities from 16 countries, spotlighted the Gulf region’s growing academic influence. Qatar University ranked fourth, while the UAE’s Khalifa University and United Arab Emirates University secured sixth and seventh places. Jordan and Egypt also made notable entries with the University of Jordan and Cairo University ranked ninth and eighth, respectively.

KAUST’s recognition comes on the heels of its faculty’s inclusion in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2024 list, underscoring the university’s research-driven global impact. These achievements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance its education sector’s global profile.

The Times Higher Education rankings rely on 13 performance indicators across teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, offering a comprehensive assessment of institutional excellence. This recognition underscores the contribution of Saudi KAUST to Vision 2030, driving innovation and academic growth in alignment with the Kingdom’s long-term goals.

This remarkable achievement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its educational system as part of Vision 2030. By fostering world-class institutions like KAUST and other top universities, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global leader in higher education, innovation, and research. The continued success of Saudi universities in international rankings highlights the nation’s investment in academic excellence and its determination to shape the future of education, research, and development on a global scale.